Although she had been formerly reunited with her family, it seemed they would slip apart once more. It left hollowness in Céline, and she knew she could no longer bear the solitude of being a rogue. Solemnly, she would make her trek to the grounds - where she knew prides hunted. Hunted, for those like her.

Softly, her paws graced the land, and she found herself standing at the foot of the passage. Many thoughts ran through her mind, yet there was one most prevalent: this would be a new beginning. No longer would she have to suffer the elements alone, and no longer would she feel a deep longing for connection. If she could not have her family by her side, then she would have to find a new family. It was time for her to take the next step in life - to prove herself truly grown._{BG — ART — CODE}

a little wicked
that's what he calls me

Were she anyone else, she would perhaps relish the chance to meet strangers. She would relish the chance to try to expand the kingdom she would bleed and fight for. She would relish the recruitment process.

What she did relish... was the chance to be away from her cubs- from the responsibilities that weighed upon her.

So, when she spies a figure ahead, she approaches them with a lazy sort of swagger- coming to halt when she sees a lioness. She was a gray fluffy female, with longer fangs. Her fluffy fur didn't bode well for desert life... but maybe she was tough.

"You look like you're looking for something," she begins as she halts. "Would that be a home somewhere?" She asks, her voice deceptively soft- as if she were more friendly than she was. As if she were not a wolf in sheep's clothing today.

As if Helah would ever be a friend to a stranger.

@Célestine

table by ryuu

by all appearances she was quiet. unassuming. this wasn't something that deterred the matriarch, though -- if anything it appealed to her. @Célestine seemed the type, at a glance, that could be molded. shaped in to something grand and wonderful, guided to reach a glory that she perhaps had not even imagined.

helah's presence only further intrigued the queen, who drew near with a small smirk of amusement. "eef so i am certain we could both be of aid," she grinned, then, at her friend and the stranger, settling down and coiling her tail around her paws. "louve dieudonne," she introduces, "from z'e bluffs." a wave of one said paw towards the distant towering peaks, before waiting to hear from the stranger herself just what she is looking for.

DEVILS-MAKER

Miaran's heart ached as she remembered Louve's words, urging her to grow the numbers of the Cove. She had always been a solitary figure, never one to seek out companionship or alliances. But now, as the High Queen, she felt a calling to this place. A place where she could recruit, where she could offer a home to those in need.

She knew she wasn't the most likable leader, but she was willing to try. She dared to hope that maybe, just maybe, someone would see the potential in what she had to offer. And as she sat before the group, her tones were smooth like toxic honey, If neither the desert or the Bluffs are of your tastes, I have room in my pride hosted on the beach at the Cove. My wife and myself both rule the pride as equals and we have ranks to choose from if they suit you.

The Cove had become nearly empty since she had claimed her crown, many fleeing at the thought of her rule. But Miaran saw an opportunity in their absence, a chance to build something new, something great. Her words were filled with passion and determination as she spoke of the ranks and opportunities that awaited them.

She may not be the first choice for many, but she would fight for her pride, for her home. And as she looked at the faces before her, she prayed that the Rogue would see the fire burning in her eyes, the desire to make the Cove a place of belonging and growth.

@Célestine

table code by daanyen

They arrived quicker than she had expected, and it would be untruthful for Céline to say she wasn't at least a bit startled. Was the passage always this crowded? Still, though, the girl would dip her head in respect to each royal whom arrived; it was be a fruitless endeavor if she weren't to make a good first impression, after all. First, she addresses @Helah, who had first arrived to make acquaintances with the rogue girl.

Ja, I suppoze I am, she sighs. Her mind flashing back to the home which she had once had - the one with her true family. She wondered, for a moment, if it would be a stretch to ask these figures if any had seen her family? Or, would that make her appear weak; desperate for closure, she figured it was worth a shot.

Actually, I am looking for de sister of me. Perhaps you haf seen her? Reverie Iscariot. Her head turns now to face the other two, @Miaran and @Louve. She nods at the prospect of a beach, something that draws her in quite well - the ocean yearned for her still. She wondered if either of these women had something similar to offer her, for they had not explicitly stated their homes such as this other one. I see, dank you, Queen, she bows. Her eyes shifting to face the women as a whole, and her body steadying itself into the sand. I am curious, what haf your homes for me?_{BG — ART — CODE}

Though there are a few it seems none are quick to jump in answer. Louve waits to be certain and then takes a half step forward, a move meant to subtly draw the attention her way. "She ees een z'e bluffs," and there is a flash of teeth, a hint of a smile as she gives this knowledge, wondering if it would be enough to bring her back to the red rock home.

"Z'e bluffs would welcome you as well, of course. We are governed by women and encourage our members to take what z'ey want, but do not wish to keep those z'at do not wish to stay." A home, not a prison, though certainly there was more to it than she stated so simply.



@Célestine @Helah @Miaran

a little wicked
that's what he calls me

It is a strange reunion as she is no longer alone with the strange female- @Miaran and @Louve appear, and she merely offers the pair a wry sort of smirk and smile- focusing on them each in turn. Her attention is brough back to the female as she speaks, asking about a sister and Helah falls silent- letting her mind wander through all the various lions and lionesses she had met in this land.. trying to figure it out. She shakes her head, and when Louve speaks, she remains silent. Patient. Only in the lull, would she speak.

"I do not recognize that name." She says simply, flatly. "I hail from the Oasis. The desert. A place to call home while you look. Assistance in your hunt, we could offer you." She says- her words curving and smoothly exiting her. An empty promise perhaps, but she also... didn't mind helping if it got them something. "We offer a bit of flexibility to our rankings- if ambition is something you have- we have the ranks for the taking. Otherwise... hunt alongside us, and fight if needed and simply live your life."

She trails off with a glance to the Cove Queen- waiting to hear how she sells her pride.

@Célestine

table by ryuu

The Rogue female stated she was searching for her long-lost sister. Louve, with a glint of kindness in her eyes, revealed the whereabouts of the lioness in the Bluffs. Miaran observed the subtle reactions around her, holding back her voice as she patiently waited her turn to speak. Helah chimed in, offering her own support at the Oasis. Miaran felt a surge of admiration for the more experienced Queens, pondering how she could improve her recruitment skills.

Miaran pondered for a moment before speaking from the depths of her soul. My pride, Caladan Cove, is a place of new beginnings and limitless opportunities. I stand beside my wife, Aphrodite, as equals in all but name. We offer sanctuary, not confinement. Should you ever decide to seek a new path, we will be there to guide you towards it.

Miaran knew the dangers of the world, the uncertainty that came with each new day. But in her gaze, there was a flicker of hope. Caladan is a beacon of unity, a friendship between the Bluffs and the Oasis. Your sister would find solace and welcome within our borders. And as a token of friendship, our allies are always welcome to roam within our lands, as long as they respect our boundaries.

@Célestine @Helah @Louve

table code by daanyen

Their words fall with heavy consideration from the Iscariot woman, yet there is one which pulls her in the most - @Louve. Such tantalizing promises she brings forth, if only the girl could verify such a promise; alas, she has no choice but to oblige in blind belief. With a dip of her head, she draws her body forward. I'm sure you can understant de need for family, ja?... I will see your crowns again one day, misschien. Her glance is apologetic towards @Helah and @Miaran, for she feels shame that sisterly bond is what draws her to the Bluffs. If only her and Reverie had been reunited sooner, as, maybe then, she could choose with her mind, not her heart.

For now, the moment draws to a close; she has made her decision, and it is one of familial comforts. With a final beckoning glance towards the Dieudonné Queen, she murmurs: Reunite us.

- Exit Céline with Louve -_{BG — ART — CODE}

They are all friends, here. Truthfully while she might have been mildly disappointed to lose a possible recruit she wouldn't have been upset had she chosen the oasis or the cove. Both were allies of the Bluffs and had values that seemed somewhat aligned (though she could not forget Fao's words even now, warning her of the oasis). Louve glances surreptitiously at her friend, wondering how Helah is faring in her new position, making a mental note to visit sooner rather than later.

The pull of family is strong, though, and unsurprisingly @Célestine turns towards the scarred leader of the red-rock pride. Louve has always been a woman of few words and so she merely nods, bidding Helah and Miaran farewell with a similar gesture. Then she turns her body towards home with a "this way, then," and a faint smile before heading there, waiting to ensure that the newest member is following.

-exit w/ celestine-